Pittsburgh-area authorities target illegal gun 'straw purchases'

The Department of Justice announced 17 indictments Friday as part of an effort to crack down on so-called straw purchases and prevent gun violence.

U.S. Attorney David Hickton said 10 of the cases were in Pennsylvania -- including Allegheny, Washington, Indiana and Greene counties.

"These indictments and subsequent arrests send a clear-cut message that the ATF will investigate and arrest you if you purchase, transfer or possess a firearm in violation of the law," said Donald Robinson, acting special agent in charge of the Philadelphia office of the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

The arrests were part of a joint effort between federal and local law enforcement.

Enforcing the law, gun shop owners say, rests with them as well. Anthony Ogline, co-owner of Verona Gun Safe, said he recently stopped a straw purchase in his shop. "It's usually pretty easy to recognize a straw purchase, it'll be two people coming in, one person usually asks all the questions about the gun and then the other person will attempt to make the actual purchase and fill out the paperwork." Ogline said when that happened to him, he asked if both of the people would pass a background check. When the answer was "no", Ogline said he kicked them out of his shop.

Law enforcement said everyone is responsible for keeping illegal guns out of criminal's hands. They are asking the public to report any illegal gun activity, including straw purchases, by calling 800-ATF-GUNS.

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